Professor De Wet Swanepoel of the University of Pretoria has been honoured with the International Award for Hearing, recognising his groundbreaking work in mobile hearing care that is making hearing health accessible to millions, no matter where they are.
Pretoria, South Africa (01 March 2025) – Access to healthcare remains a challenge for many, but one South African researcher is breaking barriers and making hearing care available to those who need it most. Professor De Wet Swanepoel, from the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, has been honoured with the prestigious International Award for Hearing from the American Academy of Audiology.
This award recognises Prof Swanepoel’s pioneering work in mobile hearing care, a mission that has seen him co-found the hearX Group, a digital health company dedicated to expanding access to hearing healthcare both locally and globally. His research isn’t just about numbers or academic papers – it’s about real-world impact, ensuring that millions of people can connect with the world through sound.
“I’m truly honoured to receive this award,” he says. “More than personal recognition, it highlights the importance of making hearing care accessible to those who need it most.”
For Prof Swanepoel, hearing loss is a silent epidemic. He believes that waiting for people to seek help is no longer an option. Instead, hearing care must be taken to them, whether they’re in a remote village, a busy workplace, or their own home.
“We need to stop thinking of hearing care as something that only happens in a clinic,” he explains. “It should happen wherever people need it.”
His work with teleaudiology – a field that leverages digital technology to provide remote hearing solutions – is revolutionising access to care, especially in regions like Africa, where only 2% of people who need hearing aids actually receive them. By harnessing mobile apps, artificial intelligence, and digital tools, Prof Swanepoel is changing the narrative around hearing health, making it more accessible and affordable.
Prof Swanepoel’s impact extends far beyond South Africa. His collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has helped scale mobile hearing solutions globally. One of the most groundbreaking achievements is the hearZA National Hearing Screening app, developed by UP and hearX. This innovation was later adapted into hearWHO, the first-ever global hearing screening app, which has already screened half a billion people worldwide.
“What started as a South African innovation has now screened half a billion people worldwide for hearing loss,” he says proudly.
Through this partnership, minimally trained healthcare workers can now conduct hearing screenings under the remote supervision of audiologists, ensuring that even the most underserved communities can receive life-changing hearing support.
With an estimated 700 million people expected to require hearing services by 2050, the need for borderless, digital-first solutions has never been greater. Prof Swanepoel is at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that innovation is not just a concept but a lifeline for those in need.
“Hearing connects us,” he reflects.
“It is how we share stories, emotions and relationships. Making sure no one loses that connection is what drives my work.”
And thanks to his dedication, millions more will continue to hear, connect, and be part of the world in ways they never thought possible.
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Who is the South African professor that won the global award for revolutionizing hearing care?